Tree height measuring devices

[ozziesstang]

I was priveleged to have partaken in the game of logging chainsaw safety course given by sinsey Ken Lallemont of Wissconsin.  The course was fantastic and Kens techniques and instruction couldnt be better or more informative.  My entire staff came out of this course with much enthusiasm and could not stop chatterin about every aspect, much to my suprise and astonishment.  My question is, in measuring a trees height we used a baltimore stick, a clinometer, and a device that looked like a 6" x 6" plastic card with scales and measurements for tree sections and distance which you placed up to your face and would look at the tree from a distance with until the tree fell between two marks.  Can you tell me what the device was and where I could get some?  I cannot remember what it was called to save my life.   The guys seemed to have problems using the clinometer and prefer this other thing.  Thanks tons Randy

[Ron Scott]

Sounds like you may have been using a Tangent Height Guage. It's used to quickly determine tree heights. They are also inexpensive.

[beenthere]

As Ron said, and they are found here
Tangent Height Gauge

[Pullinchips]

Just a gauge, would not think it could be much more accurate than estimation (from experienced person).

[bitternut]

Hey ozziesstang I know exactly what you are looking for. I took the GOL classes in October and was looking for the same thing. Finally found out that they were available less than 35 miles from my house. I just received mine last week.

They are called a Pro-Sight. Mine was $12 plus shipping and tax for a grand total of $13.86

Here is the address of where I got mine

Game of Logging
9600 Main Street, Suite Three
Clarence, NY  14031-2093
800-252-2502
716-759-9606

I called on their 800 number and they mailed one right out to me. Once I got it I mailed them out the check. You may be able to get one from whom ever set up your classes also.

[solodan]

just climb the *DanG tree with a loggers tape.

[jon12345]

No, cut it down and measure it, u can always nail it back on the stump later 

[ozziesstang]

If I tryed to climb.....I would end up in a full body cast ............Thanks for all the replys

[Murf]

A clinometer is the most accurate way to do it, but it cost more than $12.50.......

http://www.suunto.com/suunto/main/product_long.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673940086&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=9852723697223383&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442490192&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395903525&bmUID=1134751215030

They also make combo clinometer / compass units, and even have a watch with one built in. 

[jon12345]

Thanks Murf, couldn't remember the name of the thing I used before.  A clino is pretty simple to use.


Isn't relaskop another one? Or is that just  for diameter

[Black_Bear]

The Spiegel Relaskop is a rangefinder (distance to tree), dendrometer (diameter), clinometer (height), and angle gauge w/slope correction (basal area) rolled all into one unit. The Ben Meadows catalog lists the Relaskop at $1290 (U.S. dollars). But it comes with a leather case!   

The Relaskop was developed by Walter Bitterlich. The point sampling method of measuring basal area is also referred to the "Bitterlich" method.

Ed

[Qweaver]

Any device that can measure 45deg will allow you to get a pretty good estimate.   a small 45deg square with a torpedo level will do it fine.  A and  B are equal, so walk until you can sight up the 45 deg to the top of the tree.  Then pace off or measure the distance left to the tree(a).  Add your height (c) and you have it.  The triangle must be held level as you sight and any slope must be added or subtracted depending on where you are standing.  If you do Trig. then any angle and distance can be used.


       

[Don P]

Here's some trig for Qweaver's method;
http://www.forestryforum.com/members/donp/3treehgtclcs.htm

[Tom]

It also works to climb the tree, place one end of a string on the top of the tree (a cane pole helps) and dropping the string to the ground.  Remove the string from the top of the tree, climb down and measure the string.  It will be pretty close to the height of the tree.

[Troy]

Tom,

You don't need to climb the tree.  Just use a standard spinning reel and rod with a weight on the end of the line.  Cast the line over the top of the tree and down to the ground on the other side, measure the line and divide by two!

[Tom]

I never could hit those teeny tiny branches up in the top. 

[Mr Mom]

     What if you find a tree that is about as tall as the others
     but has something wrong with it and cut it down. Then measure it.
     Just an idea.


     Thank Mr mom

[jon12345]

Just train a big june bug to fly where you want it, with a silk thread in tow 

[JJackson]

A straight stick the length of your arm will work, it has to reach between your cheek bone bellow your eye and your hand.  Tilt the stick up from the cheek bone and the top of it should match the top of the tree when sighted.  If the stick is taller, you are to close if it is smaller you are to far away.  remeber to factor in the fact that you're sighting the tree at eye level, also consider the slope.  cost of stick 0$,

[jon12345]

I got a fancy one of those sticks I made myself JJ, called a biltmore 

[gizmo]

When I was a kid a long time ago, my father used a recuve bow and tied nylon fishing line  to the arrow to get a rope up towards the tops. He would next tie heavier twine to the fishing line and finally rope which would be used for pulling or tying off the tree. Many exciting moments when the fishing line came off the arrow and the arrow kept going up and up. Everyone was covering their heads with  their arms in anticipation of where that arrow was going to land.  I guess I got off the subject but it was one of my 45 year ago memories..Didn't have OSHA back then.........